Even though more people know about the proposed twinning of the Trans Mountain Pipeline, the B.C. public is still divided over its benefits, according to a new poll.

Insights West said its most recent poll of 728 people revealed that while knowledge of the project has increased considerably, the public’s support hasn’t changed much.

The poll showed 81% of residents are “aware” of the proposal – 21% more than a year ago — and 76% are “familiar” with it. Overall support remains virtually the same at 48%, with 43% opposed, said Mario Canseco of Insights West. The number of undecided people rose from 3% in January 2012 to 11%.

The pipeline will twin an existing line running from Alberta to B.C., ending on the shores of Burrard Inlet in Burnaby, where oil products will then be exported via tankers.

Canseco said polls on this and other energy projects showed men tend to support them, while women aged 18 to 34 are more concerned with the environment.

“The difference between men and women is men really want to see it happen,” said Canseco. “Women are not that convinced.”

He said older British Columbians also lean towards support for the Trans Mountain Pipeline.

The project enjoys more support than the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline, which would run from Alberta to a marine terminal in Kitimat. According to the firm’s polling late last year, support for Northern Gateway sits at 42%.

“(Trans Mountain) seems to be easier to understand for some people, and not seen as harmful because it’s an expansion of something that’s already there,” Canseco said.